This article answers the most frequently asked questions about Volt 876 USB Recording Studio. For questions about Volt Desktop models, see this article.
If your question is not answered here, be sure to check out the Volt 876 Hardware Manual or the UAD Console for Volt 876 Manual for more information.
If you still have questions, please contact our Customer Care team.
Specification Questions
Are Volt 876’s preamps the same as Volt Desktop interfaces?
No, these are newly designed digitally controlled preamps that have better specifications than Volt desktop interfaces.
Does Volt 876 use the same A/D or D/A converters as Volt Desktop or Apollo interfaces?
No, the A/D and D/A conversion design for Volt 876 is brand new and boasts excellent specifications. For complete specifications, visit the Volt 876 Hardware Manual.
Does Volt 876 have DC-coupled outputs?
Yes, all Volt models feature DC-coupled Monitor, Headphone, and Line outputs (where applicable), which are suitable for sending control voltages to external analog synthesizers.
Operation Questions
Does Volt 876 run UAD DSP plug-ins?
No, while Volt 876 can use UAD Console or LUNA to remotely control its preamps, it does not have any onboard DSP for processing UAD DSP plug-ins. There are no plug-in inserts for Volt 876’s inputs in UAD Console.
Can I connect line-level inputs to Volt 876? How do I do this?
Yes, Volt 876 accepts line-level input sources at the ¼” (6.35 mm) inputs of the combo jacks. TRS cables must be used for balanced connections, and TS cables can be used for unbalanced connections.
Can you entirely bypass the preamps on Volt 876?
No, the preamp is always in the circuit. The preamp itself is very transparent when the Vintage or ‘76 Compressor circuits are not enabled.
Does the 76 Compressor or Vintage mode run as a plug-in on Volt 876?
No, they are both analog hardware circuits, built directly into Volt 876. These features can be remotely controlled by UAD Console or LUNA.
Can Volt 876 be bus-powered?
No, Volt 876 requires AC power via the IEC input.
Which Volt interfaces can be used with UAD Console?
Volt 876 is the only Volt model that can be controlled with UAD Console.
Does Volt 876 need the UAD-2 software like Apollo interfaces?
No, Volt 876 does not use UAD-2 software. The UAD Software installer is only for Apollo interfaces, Apollo E Series devices, and UAD-2 Accelerators like Satellites or UAD-2 PCIe cards.
Are the MIDI ports functional when Volt 876 is set to ADAT mode?
Yes, if Volt 876 is connected to the host computer by USB.
Do I need a driver to use my Volt 876?
Volt 876 requires a driver on Windows to enhance functionality. The driver is available in UA Connect. A driver is not needed with macOS or iOS/iPad.
For information on setting up your Volt, see this article.
When selecting my audio driver in Cubase, I see options for "Volt 876" and "Volt 876 High Precision." Which should I use?
In Steinberg applications, a "Volt 876 High Precision" driver option is available, but should not be used. We recommend using the "Volt 876" driver, which is tested and qualified by Universal Audio.
How should I clock Volt 876?
Volt 876 can be clocked with its own internal clock, or externally using Word Clock (BNC), ADAT, or S/PDIF options. The correct external clocking option depends on your own preference or requirements.
Note: If you are externally clocking using the Word Clock option and Volt 876 is the last device in the clock chain, engage the Termination switch.
Can I use Volt 876 with my gaming console?
Generally speaking, no. Volt 876 is a UAC2 class-compliant USB device with high sample rate options. Most gaming consoles require a UAC1 USB device, and UAC1 devices only support 16-bit 44.1 kHz or 24-bit 48 kHz. UA does not test or support gaming consoles with Volt products.
Multi-Unit Configuration Questions
Can I connect more than one Volt 876 to expand my system?
Yes, you can connect up to three Volt 876 units together for up to 24 analog channels. For configuration details, visit the UAD Console for Volt 876 Manual.
How do I connect multiple Volt 876 units to my computer when using ADAT expansion mode?
The USB host connections required for ADAT expansion mode can be connected to a hub or directly to the computer. While any USB 2.0-capable hub is expected to work, if troubleshooting, it’s advisable to test a direct USB connection to your computer instead. Additionally, when using Volt 876 with a USB hub, we recommend considering any other peripherals you are connecting to the same hub, as all connected devices will share the same data bandwidth.
For more information on how to connect your units together and configure UAD Console for multi-unit operation, visit the UAD Console for Volt 876 Manual.
Can I use Volt 876 with an Apollo?
Yes, Volt 876 can be connected to the ADAT input of an Apollo and set to ADAT mode to provide eight additional remotely controlled preamps, with the ability to individually enable Vintage mode and the ‘76 Compressor on each preamp.
While using an Apollo with Volt 876, you can use UAD DSP plug-ins on all of Apollo's ADAT inputs in UAD Console. You can also add additional analog coloration to the Volt 876 inputs that are routed into Apollo's ADAT channels by enabling Vintage mode and the 76 Compressor on each Volt 876 preamp.
Can I use Volt 876 with a desktop Volt?
Volt 876 was not designed to work alongside Volt desktop units, and aggregate device configurations are not tested or supported.
Can I use ADAT I/O in a multi-unit configuration?
ADAT ports are used to interconnect Volt 876 units in a multi-unit configuration, so those ADAT ports are unavailable to be used for additional I/O. For more information, visit the UAD Console for Volt 876 Manual.
Can I use multiple Volt 876 units together, unlinked, to use all the available ADAT I/O?
When using multiple Volt 876 units together, we recommend connecting the ADAT I/O to the USB host unit, as designed. Unlinked aggregate device configurations are not tested or supported.
Can I use Volt 876 in an aggregate device configuration with other third-party interfaces in macOS?
No, aggregate device configurations are not tested or supported with Volt 876. However, you can connect up to three Volt 876 units together for 24 analog inputs, or connect a Volt 876 to the ADAT input of an Apollo.
Account Questions
What software is bundled with a new Volt 876?
Volt 876 comes with a premium collection of software titles from both Universal Audio and third-party partners, including the UAD Producer Suite and LUNA Digital Audio Workstation. For a complete list of software that comes bundled with Volt audio interfaces, see this article.
Can I transfer my Volt 876 to another owner?
A transfer is not necessary; your Volt 876 will move out of your account automatically when it is registered by a new owner.
Can I transfer my Volt 876 software bundle to another user?
No, the UAD Producer Suite, third-party software, and 30-day UAD Spark trial included with Volt 876 are not transferable.